Bell was not involved last September when the Outlaws secured a 22-run victory over the Bears at Edgbaston, but the 36-year-old former England batsman showed his enduring class by easing his team across the line alongside Sam Hain.

Hain, who struck a century for England Lions against India A earlier this week, made 45 not out and put on 121 with Bell as Birmingham reached their target of 156 with 16 balls remaining.

Notts lost Chris Nash without a run on the board as 18-year-old Henry Brookes started their innings with a wicket maiden, though the Outlaws’ other opener Riki Wessels would top score with 41 of his team’s 155 for seven.

Ed Pollock smashed 13 off five deliveries at the start of the reply before Bell and Hain guided them to victory.

Ben Duckett’s 96 was not enough to earn Northamptonshire victory over Leicestershire as the Foxes chased down 219 with two balls to spare to claim a dramatic four-wicket triumph.